New York, November 17, 2025. The Center for the Multidisciplinary Study of Cybernetic Existentialism announces plans to bring a challenging art installation to Italy, inspired by the prophetic work of late Italian artist Ruffo Caselli (1932-2020). The exhibition confronts the alarming rise of gender-based violence through Caselli’s unflinching artistic vision.
Caselli, known as “the painter of programs,” pioneered the integration of microchips and integrated circuits into his paintings decades before technology dominated daily life. His work depicted a future world populated by robots and programmed humans, earning him recognition as a remote seer whose intuitions now appear prophetic.
Art as Social Commentary
Throughout his career, Caselli focused intensely on violence against women. His paintings evolved across historical periods, depicting women as mutilated or “programmed” even in their most intimate moments.
One notable canvas portrays a vagina with inserted microchips, a stark visualization of dehumanization. The work reflects Caselli’s consistent theme of technological control intersecting with bodily autonomy.
The artist took a deliberate stand against pornography by creating a series of female nudes in uncomfortable positions. These oil paintings evoke the slavery inherent in human trafficking.
The Peep Shop Installation
The upcoming installation recreates Caselli’s original concept intended for the exhibition in Soho, New York. Each painting is housed in wooden boxes with keyhole-shaped openings, directly referencing Times Square “Peep Shops” where men watched nude women perform behind glass.
This design choice forces viewers to confront their own role as observers. The act of peering through a keyhole transforms audience members into participants in the voyeuristic dynamic the artist critiques.
“The installation aims to awaken consciences with a cold shower, exactly as the artist would have desired,” states Carmen Gallo, founder of the Center for the Multidisciplinary Study of Cybernetic Existentialism and historic curator and promoter of Ruffo Caselli’s work in North and South America and Europe. “This challenging exhibition will leave a profound impact on viewers.”
Addressing a National Crisis
The Center is currently evaluating requests to bring the installation to Italy, where gender-based violence cases are increasing at an alarming rate. The timing reflects urgent social needs. Current statistics reveal that penalties for abusers in Italy appear significantly lower than those in the United States for both pedophilia and rape. This disparity raises questions about Italian law and its effectiveness in protecting victims.
The exhibition serves as both a memorial to Caselli’s visionary work and a call to action. By presenting uncomfortable truths through art, organizers hope to spark necessary conversations about violence, exploitation, and justice.
About the Center
The Center for the Multidisciplinary Study of Cybernetic Existentialism, founded and directed by Carmen Gallo, preserves and promotes the work of artists exploring the intersection of technology, humanity, and social justice.
The organization is dedicated to bringing challenging contemporary art to audiences worldwide. For media inquiries regarding the Ruffo Caselli installation, contact the Center for the Multidisciplinary Study of Cybernetic Existentialism. info@cyberneticexistentialism.com,
www.cyberneticexistentialism.com.
YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=ZXp3n9SThCk